A Missouri man died Thursday night after a deer struck by another vehicle flew into his Jeep, authorities confirmed. I read the report from WITN Greenville, which covers the region and spoke with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The crash happened on US Highway 54 near Eldon, Missouri, around 9:30 p.m. According to the patrol, a car ahead of the man’s Jeep had already hit the deer, launching the animal into the air. The deer then crashed through the Jeep’s windshield, killing the 47-year-old driver. No one else was injured, and the driver of the other car was unharmed.
What This Means for Homeowners
This type of accident is called a “secondary deer strike,” and it can happen even when you are driving carefully. When one vehicle hits a deer, the animal can be thrown into oncoming traffic or into another car’s path. The Missouri State Highway Patrol noted that drivers should slow down in areas with deer crossing signs and be especially alert at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active.
If you find a dead deer in your yard after a collision, do not touch it. I have a guide on what to do with a dead deer in your yard that explains how to check for roadkill removal rules in your state. For a deer that has died on the road itself, your local public works or animal control department may handle the removal. You can also read my article on dead deer removal for who to call and the steps to follow.
The key safety tip is to never swerve suddenly to avoid a deer , that can cause you to lose control of your car and hit a tree or another vehicle. Brake firmly instead. Authorities remind drivers that deer are unpredictable and may appear suddenly, especially during the fall breeding season.
For more details on this Missouri crash, you can read the full story at WITN Greenville.
The notice is published by WITN Greenville at www.witn.com.
